Augusta vs Portland: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Augusta, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,543 | $134,733▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.80 | $64.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,416 | $111,540▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $119,190▲ | $115,616 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,633▲ | $144,530 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,291 | $170,786▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 720▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.
The salary gap between Augusta and Portland is $6,190 (4.82%). Portland's median is -1.56% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $55,875,Portland spans $59,246. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($132,275 effective) pays 2.49% more than Augusta ($129,059 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,733/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,786)
- ✓Larger job market (720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,275)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Augusta grew 5.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Portland over the same period.
Augusta, ME
$117,400 (2024) → $124,256 (2025)
Portland, ME
$109,870 (2019) → $130,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Augusta or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Portland?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Portland as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Augusta vs Portland?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov